CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-14400 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-14400 is a mainstream desktop processor providing an excellent entry point into the 14th Gen Raptor Lake Refresh family. With a 6 P-core and 4 E-core hybrid layout totaling 10 cores and 16 threads, it delivers strong multi-threaded performance for productivity and gaming. Operating at a 65W base power, it boosts up to 4.7 GHz, ensuring smooth responsiveness. The inclusion of 20 MB L3 cache and DDR4/DDR5 memory support makes it highly adaptable for various build budgets. It features Intel UHD Graphics 730, offering display output without a discrete GPU. Bundled with the Laminar RM1 cooler, the i5-14400 provides outstanding value, bridging the gap between budget and mid-range computing with a balanced architecture that excels in everyday tasks and moderate workloads.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
10 cores handle heavy office and light productivity easily.
Higher base clock speeds improve snappiness in everyday applications.
Gaming
Excellent 1080p gaming performance with a discrete GPU.
The 128EU Arc graphics provide a noticeable bump in light gaming frame rates compared to the 125HL.
Virtualization
Good for light VMs and containerization.
Suitable for light virtualization, though still limited by 8 CPU PCIe lanes.
Efficiency
65W TDP is well-managed with the included cooler.
Maintains excellent power efficiency despite the higher clock speeds.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No NPU
- E-cores can handle background AI processes
- 11 TOPS NPU for background AI tasks
- Improved graphics rendering for AI-assisted tools
- Supports DLBoost 3.0 and AI Boost NPU 3
Content Creation
Gaming
- 4.7 GHz boost provides high framerates
- E-cores help with background tasks while gaming
- Requires a discrete GPU for serious gaming
- 128EU Arc Xe-LPG handles light gaming better than 112EU
- Still not a replacement for a discrete GPU in AAA titles
- CPU PCIe lanes limit high-end dGPU configurations
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 10 cores and 16 threads
- Includes Laminar RM1 cooler
- Strong 4.7 GHz boost
- Supports DDR4 and DDR5
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- UHD 730 integrated graphics
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- UHD 730 is weak for gaming
- 154W PL2 requires decent VRMs
- Only 4 E-cores limit heavy multi-threading
- Base clock drops significantly under full load
Pros
- Higher clock speeds than 125HL
- 128EU Arc Xe-LPG integrated graphics
- Integrated NPU for AI workloads
- Excellent power efficiency
- Supports modern DDR5-5600 memory
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Only 8 CPU PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Not ideal for heavy gaming without a dGPU
- Slightly higher cost than 125HL
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-14400
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14400FRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600XRival
Mainstream Desktop
More cores and cache for better multi-threaded performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7700Alt
8 full-performance cores for better sustained multi-threading.
Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GRival
Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 5 8500GRival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13400Rival
Desktop CPU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13500Rival
Desktop CPU
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Desktop CPU
A slightly cheaper alternative with marginally lower clocks and fewer graphics EUs.
Compare head-to-headBetter raw CPU performance if a discrete GPU is present.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HLAlt
More cores and higher performance for demanding workloads.
Our Verdict on Each
A perfectly balanced 10-core processor that offers excellent value and performance for the majority of desktop users.
Best for: Building a mainstream gaming or office PC where value, multi-core performance, and included cooler are priorities.
Read the full reviewA solid step up from the 125HL, offering better clock speeds and integrated graphics for users needing a bit more graphical headroom without a discrete GPU.
Best for: Building an efficient desktop with strong integrated graphics for office and media use.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-14400 or Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-14400 comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-14400 or Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-14400 leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core i5-14400 and Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-14400 (65 W), Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL (45 W).
Do Intel Core i5-14400 and Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-14400: LGA 1700, Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL: Intel Socket 1851), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-14400 (10 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL (14 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL (8,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.